Eight individuals are reported to have lost their lives in a tanker explosion on the Warri-Benin Highway, Edo State, that occurred on Sunday, October 1.
According to the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries, while 15 commercial vehicles, including eight tankers, were destroyed.
In its preliminary report on the incident, NEMA stated that at approximately 1 am, a tanker carrying fuel overturned and spilled its contents at the Koko junction near the Ologbo bridge along the Warri-Benin Highway, which ultimately led to a devastating explosion.
It said: “Tragically, eight individuals lost their lives in the explosion, while seven others sustained varying degrees of injuries. The explosion also resulted in the destruction of 15 commercial vehicles, including eight tankers.”
The agency further stated that injured individuals were promptly transported to the University of Benin Teaching Hospital for medical treatment, while efforts were made to move the deceased to the mortuary.
